Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
MATTHEW 6:10 (CSB)

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“Set the world right;
Do what’s best—
as above, so below.”
The Message

Kings and kingdoms tend to be territorial. They extend a particular distance. They are limited by physical boundaries. Once upon a time, the greatness of a king was determined by the length and breadth of his territory. It was not uncommon for kings to bite off more than they could chew. Thus arose competitors to the crown or rebellions leading to fractured kingdoms. 

Contrast the history of human kingdoms with the Kingdom of God. It is a kingdom for all people everywhere. It is a kingdom of hearts and minds. It is a kingdom enduring forever. Earthly kingdoms rise and fall. Our exalted king rules and reigns forever. He laughs at challengers (see Psalm 2). 

God’s kingdom is characterized by love and justice, grace and truth. We, as citizens of this kingdom, should also be characterized by these virtues. 

When Jesus teaches us to pray, he tells us to pray for God’s kingdom to come and for God’s will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. 

The expansion of God’s kingdom takes place one heart at a time. Who do you know who needs to know Jesus? 

Jesus also teaches us to pray that God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven. How do you think God’s will is done in heaven? We can be sure it is done immediately, wholeheartedly, lovingly, and joyfully. Why? Because all of heaven knows that God’s will is the best thing that can happen to anyone anytime anywhere. 

The best thing that can happen to me at this moment is for God’s will to be done. The best thing that can happen in any moment of my future is for God’s will to be done. 

God’s loving nature seeks the highest good for all people everywhere. God’s will done in Washington D. C. would lead to cooperation instead of competition. God’s will done in homes would lead to more patience and kindness and a distinct lack of unnecessary drama.

God’s will done in my life would lead to a different kind of thinking and a different kind of behavior.

This is a verse worth pondering. This is a verse worth turning into daily practice. What are the most God-honoring and kingdom-expanding activities for me today? How can our Father in heaven best renovate my life to reflect his will and his ways?

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I will live with a kingdom heart and mind.

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Our Father in heaven, hallowed is your name. Your name is holy. Your name is lovely. Your name is wonderful. Your name indicates your nature and character. Wonder of wonders, you have chosen us and welcome us as your dearly loved children. There is no greater privilege. Amen.